7 Snake Infested State Parks In Georgia

When you head out on your next adventure to explore some of the state parks in the great state of Georgia, do not forget that there are snakes to be found. Whether an enthusiast or simply wanting to know that there are snakes around because you would rather avoid them, some may be surprised to learn about the variety of snakes that are around them constantly in the great outdoors. These state parks may be infested with snakes, but that does not mean they are not worth exploring and taking in all the beautiful nature they have to offer.

Stephen C. Foster State Park

There is so much wonderful life to uncover in swamplands, and luckily, Stephen C. Foster State Park and the larger 438,000-acre Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge within are one of North America’s largest blackwater swamps. The area, considered to be one of Georgia’s natural wonders, and something like that is sure to be even more true with the sheer abundance of snake species that can be found within the park. A quick glance at the list of animals found within the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, which was compiled by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, shows that there are well over thirty different species of snakes that can be found in this park alone.

One such snake to give a wide distance should you see it is the non-venomous indigo snake, a snake that is unfortunately on the endangered or threatened species list. Some other snakes you can find within the park are varieties of rat snakes, hognose snakes, and water snakes. Other slithery creatures to maintain a safe distance from would be the Florida cottonmouth, Eastern diamondback rattlesnake, the canebrake rattlesnake, and the dusky pigmy rattlesnake. If you plan to go on a swamp adventure in Stephen C. Foster State Park, you may want to explore your options for guided boat tours to get as much useful information as possible.

Skidaway Island State Park

A fantastic location for anyone seeking a relaxing outdoor retreat, Skidaway Island State Park can offer views that many other places simply cannot. The lush park and the nearby Skidaway Narrows practically ensure an abundance of wildlife to spot on a nice hike on the park’s six miles of trails. It’s all the green forests and sloughs that help keep the area beaming with wildlife, and of course, that includes many snakes looking to feed. It is important to know that there are venomous snakes found within Skidaway Island State Park, meaning that some precautions should be taken when you are making your way through the area.

You may come across copperheads or cottonmouths on your hikes, but as long as you maintain a safe distance from them and are aware not to accidentally step on one, you should have no issue. Some snakes, like the kingsnake, are there to help as they tend to eat copperheads. If you feel you want to take some time to learn more about the snakes of the park, their Interpretive Center offers the public the chance to come in and learn more about the snakes found on the grounds.

Reed Bingham State Park

The next time you head out to Reed Bingham State Park in order to spend a couple of days getting back in touch with nature, thanks to its 375-acre lake, do not forget that the park is home to many snakes. With such a large body of water and lots of thriving vegetation in the area, it only makes sense that so many smaller critters would call the area home, making it a perfect place for snakes to find their next meal. Many campers are known to see the threatened indigo snake during their stay in the park, and while it may be fascinating to see for yourself, they are best left alone for both their sake and your own.

The fact that roughly 80 percent of the Coastal Plain’s plant life can be found as you head down the Coastal Plain Nature Trail means that you will not only be able to see an abundance of flora and fauna that cannot be easily found elsewhere, but also many different snakes. Timber rattlesnakes and cottonmouths have been spotted here, as well as indigo snakes. Sadly, the park was affected by Hurricane Helene, and while the park is open, there are still restoration efforts that are ongoing, something that may potentially make it a bit trickier to come face to face with the many snakes that call the park home, something that may or may not be a good thing for you.

Hard Labor Creek State Park

Located right beside the glistening Lake Rutledge, Hard Labor Creek State Park is yet another Georgia park that is filled with snakes. You can camp in a variety of sites, hike over 20 miles of trails, swim in a massive lake, and even bring your horses for a lengthy adventure in the park. The area, first becoming a National Park in 1939, attracts more than just snakes, as the 274-acre Lake Rutledge area has also served as the location for a horrifying camp in Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives.

One of the more commonly spotted snakes in the park is the generally harmless water snake. The important thing to know about these snakes is that while water snakes tend to be harmless if you leave them alone, they can appear like the much more dangerous cottonmouth snake. For some clarity, cottonmouths tend to prefer swampier habitats and remain lower to the ground; water snakes are generally found closer to the shores of lakes and even spend their time on tree limbs that hang over water.

Sweetwater Creek State Park

Those looking for the perfect nature retreat without having to stray too far from Atlanta will surely enjoy the 2,549-acre Sweetwater Creek State Park. The park offers sites to camp, an award-winning Visitor Center, a 215-acre reservoir to fish in, and lots of rocky bluffs to hike and climb through, as well as mill ruins. Should you decide to visit this park, there are certain kinds of snakes that you will want to be aware of for your own safety.

One such snake that has been commonly sighted by those who frequent the park is the timber rattlesnake. Though the snake is relatively large and venomous, they are more likely to try to stay away from you than not, as they do have a shy demeanour. They are most likely to be seen during the warm months, and while it is true that if you are bitten by one, you should go seek medical assistance without harming the snake, they should be viewed as a positive for the area, as they eliminate other nastier problems like ticks.

High Falls State Park

When it comes to High Falls State Park, two things are true: it is an excellent place to go and try your luck at catching a white bass, and it is also filled with snakes. Beyond the park being a fisherman’s dream, it is also a great place for a relaxing family camping trip, with the 1,050-acre park and 650-acre lake having tons of amenities to make your stay all the better.

Like many other parks, you can expect to find both venomous and non-venomous varieties of snakes within the park, so it is always best to exercise caution when coming face-to-face with a snake, even if you think it is entirely harmless. Snakes are always best left alone, especially since species can be easily confused, and most of the snakes that you will come across during your stay in High Falls State Park, including rat snakes, are actually improving your safety as they munch on nastier threats that can come from smaller pests.

Fort Yargo State Park

The many snakes of Fort Yargo State Park are not the only ancient things that can be found. The famed park is known for a 1792 log fort that was built as a form of protection many years ago, but today you can enjoy all the modern delights of camping, including swimming in the 260-acre Fort Yargo Lake, sites with electricity, and over 20 miles of trails to hike and bike on.

It is important to take care on the trails of Fort Yargo State Park, should you decide on a hike, as there have been confirmed sightings of copperheads in the area. They can be tricky to spot due to their brown colouration, but the easiest way to identify them is by their markings, which resemble a favorite treat of many, Hershey’s Kisses. Their venom is weaker than that of other species, but no one needs any trips to the hospital in the middle of a family camping trip, so be sure to give any snakes you see their space.

The Snakes Of Georgia’s State Parks

There’s no shortage of great state parks to head out and visit in Georgia, but what you must also know is that there is also a healthy population of snakes in many of those parks. These parks may be snake-infested, but that doesn't mean they are not worth a visit. A brief look into the many species of snakes found in Georgia can help you be much safer than one might expect. The best course of action is always to admire snakes from afar and remember that they are wild animals, and without expertise, they can be difficult to predict. Enjoy Georgia’s snake-infested state parks, but be sure to avoid a needlessly close run-in with Georgia’s many slithering friends.